Birmingham's Civil Rights Story Zone Offers Free, Interactive History Lesson

New urban development project to connect Civil Rights District to surrounding neighborhoods

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Birmingham's Civil Rights Story Zone, located on the westernmost block of City Walk BHAM, provides a free, family-friendly way for visitors to learn about pivotal moments and figures from the Civil Rights Era. The interactive exhibit features street-edge paving patterns that mirror the historic Civil Rights District nearby, and highlights key events like the Selma to Montgomery marches, the Children's Crusade, and the March on Washington. The Story Zone also sits at the crossroads of the upcoming Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads project, a 15-block development aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and economic development in the area.

Why it matters

The Civil Rights Story Zone offers an accessible and engaging way for Birmingham residents and visitors to connect with the city's rich civil rights history. By placing the exhibit in a prominent public space, it ensures this important legacy is visible and accessible to all. The upcoming Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads project will further strengthen the connections between the Civil Rights District and surrounding neighborhoods, supporting long-term revitalization and equitable development.

The details

The Civil Rights Story Zone features clear, concise snapshots that highlight key moments and figures from the Civil Rights Era, including the activism of John Lewis, the Children's Crusade protests in Birmingham, and the March on Washington. Rather than lengthy explanations, the exhibit is designed to encourage reflection and curiosity, especially for families and first-time learners. Visitors can even see the historic 16th Street Baptist Church from the Story Zone.

  • The Civil Rights Story Zone opened in 2026 as part of the City Walk BHAM development.
  • The Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.

The players

John Lewis

A civil rights leader whose activism and leadership helped expose the brutal realities of segregation during the Selma to Montgomery marches.

The Children's Crusade

In 1963, young demonstrators in Birmingham faced police dogs and fire hoses, images that shocked the nation and helped galvanize support for the civil rights movement.

The March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom

A massive 1963 demonstration that brought together civil rights leaders and supporters from across the country.

City of Birmingham

The city leading the Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads project, a 15-block development aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and economic development in the Civil Rights District and surrounding neighborhoods.

Smithfield and Graymont communities

Neighborhoods that will be directly connected to City Walk BHAM and the Civil Rights Story Zone through the Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads project.

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What’s next

The Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029, connecting the Civil Rights District to surrounding neighborhoods and supporting long-term revitalization and equitable development.

The takeaway

By placing the Civil Rights Story Zone in a prominent public space, Birmingham is ensuring its rich civil rights history remains visible and accessible to all. The upcoming Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads project will further strengthen these connections, supporting the city's continued investment in honoring the past while building an inclusive future.